Breadcrumb
The statements made and requirements listed on this website apply only to the buildings, projects and activities at the University of Colorado Boulder. Please contact your local authority having jurisdiction for code requirements for buildings, projects and activities which are not affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder.
Fire Codes, Building Codes, and the University of Colorado at Boulder bicycle parking regulations are aimed at mitigating the hazards associated with an emergency evacuation. The obstruction of a building's egress paths by obstacles, including bicycles, will hinder occupants’ ability to exit quickly and safely, thereby causing an unacceptable risk to safety and life. Particular attention is to be paid to ensure that exit corridors and stairways are not obstructed.
This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest edition of adopted codes. Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of new installations or changes to existing installations are verified and implemented.
Fire Code requires that emergency generators be stationary generators. Therefore, a portable generator would not be allowed to be used as an emergency generator. The following code review lists the requirements for indoor use of both portable and stationary generators. Both require a minimum of 1 hour fire rated construction and an exhaust system.
This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest edition of adopted codes. Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of new installations or changes to existing installations are verified and implemented.
Labels identifying fire doors and instructing occupants to keep the doors shut at all times are to be placed on fire-rated doors that can be blocked open in violation of codes. The following document explains the general locations where fire-rated doors are required based on the 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA-101). Items are listed as a checklist for applying the labels. Please note the conditions for which labels are not needed.
The following directions are for use by CU-Boulder faculty, staff, students and visitors, for ensuring that the proper authorities are contacted when a fire occurs.
These directions are specifically for when a small fire has been discovered even if it is extinguished before the fire department is called. Please note that the Boulder Fire Department needs to be called (dial 9-1-1) for any fire accident on campus, no matter how small it may be.
- Contact 9-1-1, even if the fire appears to be extinguished. If using a non-campus (cell) phone, mention that you are calling from CU Boulder.
- After completing your 9-1-1 call, contact the Facilities Management Service Center at (303) 492-5522.
- Inform them of your location, the fire location and whether you believe it has been extinguished.
- Inform the service desk if a fire extinguisher was discharged during the fire and request a replacement extinguisher as soon as possible.
- Provide them with the location of this extinguisher.
- Wait, in a safe location, for the fire department to arrive.
When attempting to extinguish a small fire, be extremely careful. Even small fires can grow very quickly.
Fire Codes, Building Codes, and the University of Colorado 's Fire- and Life-Safety Group (FLS) are aimed at providing fire safety and prevention guidelines in order to minimize risks to safety and life. This code review outlines important code requirements and procedures for re-commission and use of fireplaces on campus. Please note that this review is limited to fire safety and fire prevention issues with respect to fireplaces and solid fuel-burning appliances and measures that need to be implemented to alleviate hazardous conditions.
The emergency procedures for natural gas emergencies are similar to that for fire emergencies. All incidents will use the Incident Command System. The University of Colorado Police Department (UCPD) officer at the scene will be in charge until the arrival of the Boulder Fire Department (BFD). Upon their arrival, the BFD commanding officer will be in charge of the emergency and the building.
Natural Gas Emergency Procedure
Compressed Carbon Dioxide - Use & Storage
The Fire- and Life-Safety Group recommends compliance with California Technical Bulletins (CTB) 129 for mattresses and CTB 133 for upholstered furnishings for use in public buildings at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
This document was prepared to list the requirements for home furnishings in new and existing dormitories. The requirements are based on the 2009 edition of theUniform Fire Code(NFPA-1), the October 1992 edition of theCalifornia Technical Bulletin 129, the January 1991 edition of theCalifornia Technical Bulletin 133, the January 2004 edition of theConsumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Part 1632- Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattresses Pads, formerly FF 4-72, (16 Part 1632), the March 2006 edition of theCPSC Part 1633-Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets(16 Part 1633). Applicable code sections are listed in Section II.
The following summarizes FLS' review of the applicable code sections, existing conditions, and corrective actions that need to be taken to improve laboratory occupant safety. Please note that this document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest editions of adopted codes in 2011.
Laboratory Safety - Requirements
Laboratory Safety - Do's & Don'ts
There are several fire and building code sections aimed at mitigating the hazards associated with motorized lawn equipment. The following document is a brief overview of the code sections that were created to reduce both the likelihood and danger of a fire in equipment sheds.
This document was prepared to list the requirements for the performance bypass of the fire detection systems. These requirements are based on the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code(IFC), the 2007 edition of the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA-72), the 2009 edition of the UCB Standards section 16720 and the UCB Building Proctor Manual.
Portable heaters are to be used only when the central heating system is malfunctioning and/or a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained, and only after written approval by the Campus Fire Marshal.
Portable Heaters - Policies & Procedures
Proceed with the following steps to get using a portable heater approved:
1. Submit a service request at the location; indicate your location and concern (i.e. too cold at start of day). The shops can come take a look and make sure that the systems are working the best they can. If there is a problem that can be fixed without needing space heaters, it would be best to address the concern this way first.
2. The electrical systems, in most cases, are not designed to handle the additional loads. Performing electrical load calculations allows for an approved portable heater to be selected. Select a UL Listed portable heater. Submit the electrical load calculations, portable heater model, and description of portable heater placement to the Campus Fire Marshal at Zachary.Niehues@colorado.edu
Fire Codes, Building Codes, and the Fire- and Life-Safety Group (FLS) are aimed at mitigating potential hazards. The storage of oxygen bottles presents a risk to safety and life and FLS requires that the following recommendations be reviewed and applied prior to storage.
Coffee makers, toasters, and other small, heat-producing appliances used without safety precautions constitute a considerable ignition and fire risk. However, by following the guidelines listed in this document, this danger can be significantly reduced.
Smoking is prohibited on all university-owned and operated campus grounds both indoors and outdoors. According to Colorado State Law, a smoking violation has a minimum $200 fine. Additionally, consequences can be much more severe if your actions contribute to a fire.
This document was prepared to list the requirements for theaters and props. These requirements are based on the 2007 edition of the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Code(NFPA-13), the 2009 edition of the Life Safety Code(NFPA-101), the 2009 edition of the Building Construction and Safety Code (NFPA-5000), the 2009 edition of the International Building Code(IBC) and the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code(IFC). For more general information on theatre and associated props please refer to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) website at http://usitt.org/. The USITT is the association of design, production and technology professionals in the entertainment industry.
Fire Codes, Building Codes, and the University of Colorado's Fire- and Life-Safety Group (FLS) are aimed at providing fire safety and prevention guidelines and thereby minimizing risks to safety and life. Torchiere halogen and plastic shaded lamps have been the cause of a number of fires and close calls on college campuses across the United States. These lamps are prohibited in University of Colorado residence halls and strongly discouraged in all other campus buildings. In addition to being a fire hazard, torchiere halogen lamps are also much less efficient than other lighting alternatives, e.g. compact fluorescents.